Web tackles health issues

The HSE has launched a web-based tool which for the first time sets out a framework for firms to manage occupational health.

‘Unlike other guidance available, this is a joined-up package for managing health risks in construction, which tries to create and describe a framework for managing risks in a systematic way,’ explains HSE inspector Stephen Hartley. ‘It’s written in practical language and we hope it will evolve as companies contribute examples of their best practice.’

Using a similar structure to safety risk management software, Construction Occupational Health Management Essentials (COHME) is tailored specifically for each dutyholder including clients, designers and contractors, providing guidance for assessing risks and reducing and controlling them where possible. Links through to extra information on other HSE websites, plus sample assessments and case studies from companies, provide examples of best practice.

In construction, twice the number of days – 1.8m a year – are lost through occupational ill health and disease than through accidents. Problems such as manual handling injuries, asthma, deafness due to noise, and hand-arm vibration, still often go unrecognised or untreated, with those responsible for managing health failing to tackle them effectively.

While many firms employ a nurse to visit sites to assess safety risks, Sue Parkyn, the HSE’s principal health and safety inspector, believes this is not enough. ‘Prevention is better than cure. Many nurses are not trained in occupational health and without the industry managing them properly they will not contribute effectively to managing risk. Results of health surveillance have to feed back into management process, and if ill health is found we must take action to control the risks.’

You can view the site at: www.hse.gov.uk/construction/ healthrisks/index.htm